This is an excerpt from my article “Violet Leaf Lotion Bars” from the All About Violet booklet featured as the bonus for the Spring Vol 3 | Issue 12 | 2025 edition of Botanical Anthology. To learn more about the ingredients and uses of these lotion bars, check out the entire article in the magazine! Our herbal magazine, featuring remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the spring season, can be purchased as a digital version here and as a printed version here.
Lotion bars infused with violet leaves are helpful for spring skin care, giving a boost after months of harsh winter weather and indoor heating has taken its toll. The addition of mineral and antioxidant rich green clay enhances the nutritive properties of the bars and has a toning effect on the skin.
Violet Leaf Infused Oil Materials
- Sunflower oil
- Violet leaves, wilted
- Double boiler or crockpot
Violet Leaf Lotion Bar Materials
- ¼ c violet leaf infused oil
- 1 oz beeswax
- 3 oz cacao butter
- ¼ tsp French green clay
- Kitchen scale
- Double boiler
- Silicone mold
Violet Leaf Infused Oil Method
Fill a dry, heat proof jar or glass measuring cup about half full with wilted violet leaves and pour the oils over them, making sure they are fully submerged and covered with at least an inch or so of oil.
Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (ideally 100–140°F) for 1 to 5 hours in a double boiler or crockpot. The oil has finished infusing when the color and smell of the herbs has been imparted. At this point, turn off the heat and let the oil cool.
Strain the oil through a cheesecloth and set it aside.
Violet Leaf Lotion Bar Method
Add the infused sunflower oil, beeswax, and cacao butter to a double boiler and heat until melted. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Remove from the heat and pour evenly into a silicone mold.
Let cool completely and then remove from the mold and store in a glass jar or tin.
Notes
- Using wilted violet leaves helps to prolong the shelf life of the lotion bars.
- This recipe makes two 2.5 oz lotion bars.
